The Aymara people of the Altiplano produced superb textiles that today are highly prized by collectors. This rare and excellent ikat poncho is a ceremonial piece worn by an esteemed elder for ritual use to ensure a bountiful harvest and strong and healthy herds of alpacas and llamas. Ikat textiles from this period are extremely rare, and this is the only ikat poncho known that has a purple alpaca ground. This piece shows little wear, and is one of the finest examples of such work.